Record Album Frame

ABSTRACT

An open record album frame for displaying and storing album covers or a phonograph record. The frame comprises parallel upper and lower holding means secured to the base member. Each of the upper and lower holding means is elongated in the form of a crossbar with a groove extends the full length on the inner side thereof. The frame also has a bore disposed on the center of the base member to receive a mounting post that holds a phonograph record on the frame. The frame allows for convenient insertion and removal of album covers by simply inserting the album into the upper holding means. A ledge is constructed in the lower holding means to support the album. To display a phonograph record, a detachable mounting post can be secured into the bore of the base member.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/849,567, filed on Jan. 29, 2013 by the present inventor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of display frames, and more particularly to the field of frames for displaying phonograph record album covers and phonograph records that permits repeated, easy mounting and removal of album covers and records. The present invention is also useful for storing album covers and a phonograph record.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appears relevant.

U.S. Document Number Pub./Issue Date Name of Inventor 4,041,630 Aug. 16, 1977 Holbrook 4,258,488 Mar. 31, 1981 Schienbein 4,261,123 Apr. 14, 1981 Mariotti 4,261,124 Apr. 14, 1981 Carter 4,499,994 Feb. 19, 1985 Rentch D294,097 Feb. 9, 1988 Snoderly, Jr. 5,765,695 Jun. 16, 1998 Picciallo 6,070,721 Jun. 6, 2000 Levitan 6,715,620 Apr. 6, 2004 Taschek D572,766 Jul. 8, 2008 Smyser 7,621,061 Nov. 24, 2009 Drescher, et al. 7,891,123 Feb. 22, 2011 Luenser

Display frames for phonograph album covers provide a means for attractively decorating a room. Display frames are also useful for storing phonograph records. Traditionally, attempts to display albums comprise of securing the albums to a wall by fastening means such as tape, nails or the like. In addition to the difficulty of mounting the album, the album cover is oftentimes defaced or otherwise damaged rendering it a decrease in value.

Thereafter, several types of record album frames were designed to display album covers in such ways to leave them undamaged after they were mounted. Ideally, such frames should be designed to allow easy album mounting and removal so that the album on display can be readily changed or removed for playing. An ideal frame would also be designed in a manner which would allow several frames to be mounted on a wall near or adjacent to one another so that there will be greater flexibility in decorating a wall. U.S. Pat. No. 4,499,994 issued to Rentch on Feb. 19, 1985 discloses a phonograph record and album frame which can display a record or an album within an enclosed space. However, such frame is intended to retain the display on a permanent basis and removal of the albums for periodic playing is impeded. Another problem to such frame, which resembles conventional photograph frames, is that insertion and removal of records or albums is a time-consuming process. The display-changing process requires a user to take down the entire frame from the wall, removing the backing plate, replacing the display in a desired position, reinstalling the backing plate and subsequently mounting the entire frame back on the wall. Furthermore, should such frame use mechanical fasteners as the backing plate closures, the closures can snap after repeated locking and unlocking.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,041,630 issued to Holbrook on Aug. 16, 1977 teaches a rectangular and open album frame using an elongated groove on the inner side of each side section and an elongated slot formed on the vertical side, whereby the album cover may be inserted through the slot and disposed in the frame for display purpose. U.S. Pat. No. Des. 572,766 issued to Srnyser on Jul. 8, 2008 teaches the ornamental design for displaying photograph album or similar article. U.S. Pat. No. 6,715,620 issued to Taschek on Apr. 6, 2004 proposes a display frame for displaying multiple album covers and allowing for display of one or more clamshell album covers. Such frame has slots for inserting and removing album covers to or from the display areas. The problem shared by all such prior art frames is that the frames cannot be mounted adjacent closely together on a wall since such mounting would interfere with album cover mounting and removal accomplished by passing the cover through the slot formed in the frame edge.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,258,488 issued to Schienbein on Mar. 31, 1981 shows a phonograph record album display frame and U.S. Pat No. Des. 294,097 issued to Snoderly, Jr. on Feb. 9, 1988 an ornamental design for an album display holder, both permit easy record album mounting and removal. However, such frame/holder requires the album cover to rest within the frame tilted inwardly that can lead to the album cover warping after an extended display period. Also, being titled in an angle, the album cover displayed in such frame simply does not possess a neat appearance for decorative purpose. Finally, such frame/holder is designed to display or store only a single sleeve album cover but do not provide for simultaneous display of multiple album covers, including open clamshell covers. U.S. Pat. No. 4,261,124 issued to Carter on Apr. 14, 1981 also teaches an album cover display frame that permits frequently removed articles. Such frame contains at least one retaining tab that extends inwardly from each side of the frame and album cover removal is accomplished by drawing out and flexing the tab. This is a two-handed operation which requires one to draw and flex the tab with one hand and grip the album cover with the other hand. Not only is the mounting and removal process complicated, the tabs have a tendency to snap off after several operations. Furthermore, the retaining tab attached to each side of such frame blocks the viewing of the entire album cover.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,721 issued to Levitan on Jun. 6, 2000 discloses a display case for phonograph album and record. Such device includes a base member in the form of a shallow tray and a closable transparent cover member connected by a hinge. The disadvantage of such device is that the hinged cover could snap off after repeated manipulations. The display case demands simultaneous display of both an album cover and a record, not only does the display case take up additional space, the mounting process is troublesome as it requires the user to position the album and record precisely at the designated space.

It is apparent that numerous innovations have been provided in the prior art frames, but nevertheless all the innovations heretofore known suffer from a number of shortcomings. What is needed, therefore, is a display frame that is inexpensive and will: 1) facilitate convenient access to album covers or records without movement or manipulation of the display/storage device; 2) allow various frames mounted adjacent to each other; 3) provide various alternative configurations for display of open clamshell covers; 4) prevent album covers and contained phonograph records from warping; and 5) provide a flexible means for displaying either an album cover or a phonograph record.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a frame for displaying and storing phonograph record album covers or a phonograph record in a manner that allows for convenient insertion and removal of the album covers, or records for viewing or playing. The frame also provides an economical and non-complex device for storing album covers and a phonograph record. The frame is of unitary construction and is preferably injection-molded, comprises of an upper holding means, a base member and a lower holding means. An album cover is mounted in the frame by inserting the cover into the upper holding means with the lower edge of the cover resting on the lower holding means of the frame. A stopper, which is an extension of the retaining edge of the lower holding means, prevents the cover from falling out of the frame. Removal of the album cover is accomplished by simply lifting the cover above the stopper then pulling it out of the frame.

Additionally, the present invention provides an effective means for displaying and storing a phonograph record. The circular-shaped base member of the frame defines a surface for displaying a phonograph record, and a center bore for the reception of a detachable mounting post for retaining a phonograph record. The detachable mounting post can be secured via its rectangular base into the interlocking system in the center bore of the frame. The head of the detachable mounting post has a diameter slightly smaller than the spindle hole of a phonograph record. When a phonograph record is to be displayed, the mounting post is inserted into the bore of the frame for holding the record.

The invention, and its objects and advantages, will be best understood in the detailed description of the specific embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings, illustrative embodiment is shown in detail. Although the drawings represent preferred embodiment, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be partially sectioned, removed or exaggerated to better illustrate the present invention. Further, the embodiment set forth herein is exemplary and is not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limit or restrict the claims to the precise forms shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following detailed description.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a record album frame according to the present invention used to display a phonograph record;

FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the record album frame;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the back of the record album frame;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the record album frame without the mounting post;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the record album frame with the mounting post secured on the base member;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the record album frame with the mounting post secured on the base member;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the upper holding means of the record album frame;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the lower holding means of the record album frame;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the through bore and part of the interlocking system of the record album frame;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the rear of the interlocking system of the record album frame;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the record mounting post;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the mounting post secured in the interlocking system;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the rear of the interlocking system with the base of the mounting post interlocked; and

FIG. 14 is an enlarged sectional view of the front of the mounting post secured in the interlocking system on the record album frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular, to FIGS. 1-2 thereof, the preferred embodiment of the record album frame embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention is generally designated by reference number 10. The frame 10 consists of an upper holding means as further illustrated in FIG. 7, a base member 30, a lower holding means as further illustrated in FIG. 8, and a detachable record mounting post 46 as further illustrated in FIG. 11. The upper holding means, together with base member 30 and the lower holding means is preferably of unitary construction and formed by injection molding. Other manufacturing techniques such as casting and machining could also be used. Similarly, materials other than plastic such as acrylic, cardboard, wood or metal would also be suitable, but is preferred to be lightweight, durable and inexpensive. Record album frame 10 is especially directed to display phonograph record album covers or a phonograph record. The typical album cover is a square with sides approximately 12¼ to 12½ inches in length. The frame could be adapted to other sizes under the same concept of its operation.

As can best be seen in FIGS. 2 and 7, the upper holding means of the frame comprises of a front retaining edge 12, a bridging bar 14 and a back flange 16. An elongated groove 18 is defined on the inner side of the upper holding means for receiving the album. The upper holding means is elongated in the form of a crossbar to the length of an album. Although it has been found that the upper holding means could be reduced to a different length, a full length is desirable since it guarantees a more stable equilibrium when holding the album covers while at the same time provides a tidier appearance of the display. Retaining edge 12, which is elongated to the full length of the upper holding means, prevents the album covers from falling out of the frame. The vertical height of retaining edge 12 should be constructed in a fashion that allows minimal obstruction of the album surface. The width of groove 18 is constructed to accommodate multiple album covers in back-to-back relationship.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 8, the lower holding means comprises of a retaining edge 20, a bridging bar 22, a back flange 24, a ledge 26 and a stopper 28. The lower holding means is elongated in the form of a crossbar to the length of an album. It has been noted that the lower holding means could be reduced to a different length or trimmed down to the extremities, however, a full length is desirable since it guarantees a more stable equilibrium when holding the album covers while simultaneously provides a neat appearance of the display. Ledge 26 has the identical width of groove 18 and serves to support the lower edge of the album on the frame. Retaining edge 20 has a vertical height identical to that of retaining edge 12. Ledge 26 is positioned in relation to the inner vertical height of retaining edge 20 to allow the formation of stopper 28. The construction of stopper 28 prevents the album covers from sliding forward off the frame. Furthermore, stopper 28 is dimensioned to permit minimal obstruction of the album surface. Bridging bar 22 of the lower holding means is disposed in parallel relationship relative to ledge 26. Bridging bar 22 is constructed to provide extra support relative to retaining edge 20. The formation of a C-shaped channel member 38 in the back of the lower holding means, as best shown in FIG. 8, is constructed to lessen the overall weight of the frame. As best can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 8, C-shaped channel member 38 extends substantially the full length of the lower holding means but is enclosed bilaterally at both ends of the lower holding means.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, base member 30, which lies in the same plane as do back flange 16 of the upper holding means and back flange 24 of the lower holding means, is used for supporting the frame on a mounting surface. Base member 30 is adapted in a circular design with concentric, semi-circular cut-out shapes 32 and prevents record warping while at the same time, defines a pleasing visual art image on the wall upon the removal of album covers. Also, base member 30 is slightly smaller than a phonograph record to facilitate the removal of a record. It is apparent that various designs can be formed into the base member for the purpose of altering the overall appearance of the display frame. A rectangular-shaped bore 34 is constructed in the center of base member 30 to receive mounting post 46 for the purpose of displaying a phonograph record. Bore 34 extends through the thickness of base member 30 and has a rear opening 40 which is enlarged into a circular shape with a diameter slightly greater than the length of base 48 of mounting post 46. Rear opening 40 is recessed as a result of the construction of two semi-circular blockers 42 encompassed between bore 34 and rear opening 40, best shown in FIG. 9. As further illustrated in FIG. 10, the two semi-circular blockers 42, together with two vertical ribs 44 disposed on each blocker, define a part of the interlocking system to hold mounting post 46 in place for the purpose of supporting a record on the frame.

Referring now to FIG. 11, mounting post, or pin 46 is adapted to be inserted into the frame in order to support a phonograph record. Mounting post 46 comprises of a base 48, a connector 50, a washer 52, a circular groove 54 and a head 56. Rectangular-shaped base 48 is slightly smaller than the dimensions of bore 34 in order to be engageable in bore 34. Two raised bumps 58 are formed on base 48 as an integral part of the interlocking system to secure mounting post 46 on the frame. Connector 50 bridges base 48 to washer 52 which stops mounting post 46 from going further through bore 34. Connected to washer 52 is a circular groove 54 that serves to retain a phonograph record and stabilize the record from spinning. Connected to groove 54 is head 56 of mounting post 46. Head 56 has a diameter dimensioned slightly smaller than the diameter of the central opening of a phonograph record and is constructed preferably in cylindrical projection to facilitate gripping.

Operation of the subject invention is straightforward. Record album frame 10 is mounted on the wall or mounting surface by securing one screw or nail through each mounting hole 36. Alternative mounting means such as adhesive tabs or the like could also be used as long as the display frame is secured to a wall or surface in a vertical position. An album cover, to be displayed or stored, is gripped by the user at the left and right vertical edges. The user then inserts the upper edge of the album at a slight inward angle into groove 18 until the bottom edge of the album is slightly above stopper 28. While still holding the album, the user moves the album away from self until the back of the album touches base member 30. Next, the user lowers and rests the album on ledge 26. Album cover removal is accomplished by first holding the left and right edges of the album. The user then lifts up the album until the bottom edge of the album is above stopper 28. While still holding the sides of the album, pull the album outwardly away from base member 30 then downwardly towards self and the album is released from record album frame 10. Album insertion and removal can also be accomplished with one hand of the user.

Should the user desire to display a phonograph record on the frame, the user will first grip mounting post 46 by head 56, then insert base 48 into bore 34. Washer 52 will stop mounting post 46 from going further through the frame. When base 48 is inserted into bore 34, the user will turn mounting post 46 clockwise or counterclockwise 90 degrees within rear opening 40 until the raised bumps 58 are locked between ribs 44. The mechanism of the interlocking system is best illustrated in FIGS. 12-13. Once mounting post 46 is secured on the frame, as best shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 14, the spindle opening of a phonograph record is to be positioned over mounting post 46 until the record rests in groove 54. Mounting post 46 is preferably molded from a homogeneous material used for the construction of the record album frame.

While record album frame 10 is primarily designed for displaying 12″ record album, the dimensions could be adjusted for displaying other formats including 45 rpm records, compact discs, DVDs, video games, comics, magazines and collectible cards in single or multiple arrays. The user can create a wall gallery with multiple frames 10 in any arrangement due to the front access nature of display. Record album frame 10 can therefore be placed side by side without interfering with the insertion and removal of album covers. To display a gatefold or clamshell album, two frames 10 would have to be mounted adjacent to each other.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed and described, it is apparent that modifications might be made thereto and it is therefore intended to include all embodiments thereof which would be apparent to one skilled in the art which come within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A record album frame having a first mode of use wherein an album cover is displayed and stored, and having a second mode of use wherein a phonograph record is displayed and stored, said frame comprising: (a) an upper holding means with a slot on the inner side of said upper holding means; (b) a lower holding means in parallel relationship relative to said upper holding means, said lower holding means comprises a slot on the inside of said lower holding means for supporting the bottom edge of an album cover; (c) a base member extending in a vertical plane of the said upper and lower holding means, said base section forming a back panel of said frame; (d) a through bore formed in the said base member; and (e) a mounting post insertable into said through bore for mounting a phonograph record; wherein, in said first mode of use, said album cover is insertable into said frame by placing the top edge of said album cover into said slot of said upper holding means and resting the bottom edge of said album cover in said slot of said lower holding means; and wherein, in said second mode of use, said mounting post is secured in said through bore of said base member, whereby said phonograph record is retained on said mounting post.
 2. The frame of claim 1 wherein said upper holding means comprises a slot extending along the length of said upper holding means, a retaining edge on the front of said upper holding means, a bridging bar and a flange on the back of said upper holding means wherein said flange of said upper holding means is secured to said base member.
 3. The frame of claim 2 wherein said upper holding means is constructed as an elongated crossbar with a groove extends the full length thereof on the inner side of said crossbar, a retaining edge on the front of said crossbar, and a flange on the back of said crossbar wherein said flange of said crossbar is secured to said base member.
 4. The frame of claim 1 wherein said lower holding means comprises a slot extending along the length of said lower holding means, a retaining edge on the front of said lower holding means, and a flange on the back of said lower holding means wherein said flange of said lower holding means is secured to said base member.
 5. The frame of claim 4 wherein said lower holding means is constructed as an elongated crossbar with a groove extends the full length thereof on the inner side of said crossbar, a retaining edge on the front of said crossbar, and a flange on the back of said crossbar wherein said flange of said crossbar is secured to said base member.
 6. The frame of claim 4 wherein said lower holding means comprises a retaining edge on the front of said lower holding means, a ledge formed horizontally on the inner side of said lower holding means, said ledge being positioned with respect to the vertical height of said retaining edge to form a stopper on the front of said lower holding means, and a flange on the back of said lower holding means wherein said flange of said lower holding means is secured to said base member.
 7. The frame of claim 5 wherein said lower holding means is constructed as an elongated crossbar with a retaining edge on the front of said crossbar, a ledge formed horizontally on the inner side of said crossbar, said ledge being positioned with respect to the vertical height of said retaining edge to form a stopper on the front of said crossbar, and a flange on the back of said crossbar wherein said flange of said crossbar is secured to said base member.
 8. The frame of claim 1 wherein said base member is at least generally circular-shaped.
 9. The frame of claim 8 wherein said base member is at least generally circular-shaped with a diameter slightly less than the diameter of a phonograph record.
 10. The frame of claim 8 wherein said base member comprises of cut-out shapes.
 11. The frame of claim 9 wherein said base member is at least generally circular-shaped with a diameter slightly less than the diameter of a phonograph record, said base member comprises of at least generally concentric, semi-circular cut-out shapes.
 12. The frame of claim 1 wherein said through bore is formed in the center of said base member.
 13. The frame of claim 12 wherein said through bore comprises semi-circular blockers with ribs to form a recess on the rear of said through bore positioned as an interlocking mechanism to retain said mounting post.
 14. The frame of claim 1 wherein said mounting post comprises a base with at least two raised bumps on the top of said base to form an integral part of the interlocking system, received in said through bore, a connector, an enlarged washer, the enlarged washer being dimensioned whereby to retain said mounting post on said base section, and a head being engageable with the central opening in the phonograph record whereby to retain the phonograph record.
 15. The frame of claim 14 wherein said mounting post further comprises at least one circular groove recessed inwardly whereby to retain and stabilize the phonograph record.
 16. The frame of claim 1 contains a plurality of through bores formed on said base member for receiving a nail or screw for hanging said frame on a wall.
 17. A record album frame having a first mode of use for holding and displaying an album, and having a second mode of use for holding and displaying a phonograph record, said frame comprising an album receiving portion and a phonograph record receiving portion: (a) said album receiving portion comprising a base member coupling an upper holding means and a lower holding means wherein a slot is formed on the inner side of each of said upper and lower holding means; (b) said record receiving portion comprises said base member having a through bore for receiving an insertable mounting means for holding a phonograph record to be displayed; wherein, in said first mode of use, said album is insertable into said frame by placing the top edge of said album into said slot of said upper holding means and resting the bottom edge of said album in said slot of said bottom holding means; and wherein, in said second mode of use, said mounting means is inserted in said through bore of said base member, whereby said phonograph record is retained on said mounting means.
 18. The frame of claim 17 contains a plurality of through bores formed on said base member for receiving a nail or a screw for hanging said display frame on a wall. 